Our round up of the overnight news and media reaction to Day Four as well as looking ahead to this, the Final Day of the First Ashes Test here at Trent Bridge.

Stephen Brenkley, The Independent
“It has been a Test match for the ages. The standard of play has not always been of the very highest, though frequently it has been of an extremely rare vintage, and the desire of the players has been a sight to behold. The terracotta urn over which they are struggling might contain the meaning of life itself instead of some old cinders of uncertain provenance.”
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/ashes-2013-double-review-ends-michael-clarkes-resistance-to-give-england-the-edge-8707413.html

Chole Saltau, The Sydney Morning Herald
“After three days packed with drama, the fourth was tight with suspense until Australia lost three wickets, including that of the captain and best batsman, for three runs in 18 balls. Ian Bell scored an excellent 109 and later rated it among his best. In the six and a half hours Bell spent at the crease, as controversy erupted around him, he turned England’s position from desperate to dominant.
http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/australias-fighting-run-chase-hit-by-more-decision-review-controversy-20130714-2pxmy.html#ixzz2Z0aaFV1X

Scyld Berry, The Telegraph
“England this morning will rely on the reverse-swing of James Anderson and Broad, and on the spin of Graeme Swann to see them home. Trent Bridge has been Swann’s most unproductive Test ground, as it does not dust and disintegrate, but he persevered like a master craftsman to take the last two of the five wickets that England took. But perhaps the highlight of England’s innings on Saturday was the standing ovation given to Stuart Broad when he reached 50, his first since the Abu Dhabi Test of 18 months ago, and again when he returned to the pavilion.”
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/international/theashes/10178008/Ashes-2013-England-v-Australia-first-Test-day-four-report.html

Alec Stewart, The Daily Mirror
“Chasing down 311 to win Australia will have known from the outset they would have to do something very special to see the job through and going into the final day it will now take a miracle. But regardless of the result Australia have shown they are prepared to battle hard. Debutant Ashton Agar, just 19 years old, has epitomised this attitude with his record breaking 98 in the first innings. It is so important that if you are to lose a game then you go down fighting and show the opposition you will not just lie down and be walked over. England to win the series 5-0 has been the call by some pundits and though they may yet be proven right one thing’s for certain, there will be plenty more twists and turns before the series is over.”
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/cricket/alec-stewart-ashes-england-havent-2051744#ixzz2Z0YqqD1d

The crowd are one of their best voices for the day as Jimmy Anderson begins the final over. Mexican waves have made it the whole way round the ground and with the game finely poised tomorrow is sure to be a memorable day. Australia close on 174-6 with Haddin on 11 and Agar on 1 which means they need an extra 137 runs to win. A big factor for the morning could be England’s ability to call on the new ball after nine overs. Join us tomorrow to see how this historic Test moves towards its conclusion.

The Reid family are here on holiday from Perth, Australia.  They  are enjoying the fine weather during the match, although as dad Tim jokes “It’s just like winter for us!”  They have enjoyed what they describe as an ‘amazing’ three days of cricket.  Isaac, Tim’s son, is proudly wearing a ‘Broad Appeal’ T-Shirt, which has been autographed by Chris Broad. Mum, Christine is also enjoying her first visit to Nottingham. “We will manage to see a bit of the second test before we go home, but this has been a great start to our holiday”.

Swann just loves bowling to left-handers and he has another one in the form in Phillip Hughes for 0. The original decision is not out but when the replay comes on the big screen the crowd cheer as soon as they see it. Australia are now 164-6 and have had a mini-collapse, one from which it will be hard to recover from if they lose another wicket tonight.

Reg Simpson is enjoying watching England play today.  He’s seen a few matches in his time.  At 93  he is England’s oldest living batsman.  He was born in Nottingham, and made a dazzling debut  when at 13 he shared an opening partnership of 487 with Harry Betts for Nottingham High School. He made his England debut in the 1948-9 tour of South Africa, but came to prominence in the 1950-51 Australian Ashes tour, where he came second to Len Hutton in the batting averages.  His 31st birthday was a particularly memorable one, scoring 156 not out!  He captained Nottinghamshire for most of the 1950s, and retired at the end of the 1963 season.  His involvement with the club has continued, and he received a warm welcome from members on his visit today.